Outsider’s Perspective: Questions with Site Expert Parker Fleming

The New Orleans Pelicans roll into Memphis Wednesday looking for success in a place that hasn’t been too kind to them. Additionally, they’ll probably be without Anthony Davis who is unlikely to play with a sprained ankle. If there is a bright side, NOLA is 3-2 in games without Davis this season. Memphis also is battling the injury bug and are not the same team we’ve seen in years past. Whether the roster, identity, or injuries are to blame they are currently a disappointing 12-27. For a deeper look into the Grizzlies, we brought in Beale Street Bears’ editor Parker Fleming in for a few questions. Be sure to enjoy our latest installment of Outsider’s Perspective.

1. The Grizzlies have had a rough season, to say the least. From injuries to a controversial coaching change, there’s been more than just talk about basketball on Beale Street. What’s the biggest reason for their struggles? Is it Mike Conley’s absence? Zach Randolph and Tony Allen’s departure, or the roster in general?

There’s no continuity, and the roster around Marc Gasol, Conley, and Tyreke Evans aren’t very good. They let three veterans walk at the same time, which should have an effect in the locker room. Instead, they have an influx of young fringe NBA players and a cast of players looking for redemption — and a payday. That’s a recipe for disaster. In the West, you’re not going anywhere with JaMychal Green as your fourth best player — who’s not playing good in his own right. Mike Conley’s absence hurts more than we thought. Chandler Parsons has been missed as well, as he’s been a surprisingly effective player this year. The main issue though is the roster makeup. Years of messing up in the draft are catching up with them.

2. Speaking of Mike Conley, what’s the status on him? At what should the Grizzlies think about shutting him down for the season?

Mike Conley has improved so far as he’s now doing light work, but he’s not doing any full-contact practice. I still think he’s really three weeks away, but they should just shut him down for the season. Go shoot for a top-5 pick and run it back next year.

3. One bright spot for the Grizzlies has been former Pelican, Tyreke Evans. NOLA knows how good Evans can be. He appears to be in a different place mentally this season. His jump shot started to improve as he left New Orleans, but it’s at a different level right now. Hell, he’s even playing defense. How important has he been? Do you envision Memphis trading him?

Without Tyreke Evans, the Grizzlies may have 5 wins. He’s been that good. When Conley was in the lineup, Evans served as a dynamic playmaker and a lights-out shooter off the bench and looked like a shoe-in for the Sixth Man of the Year award. As a starting point guard, he’s averaging 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Those are All-Star numbers, but the team’s performance will hinder him from those honors. He probably won’t be back next season, and for that reason, he should be traded for extra assets.

4. What’s the biggest misconception about the Grizzlies this season?

I guess the biggest misconception has to be the front office’s knack for finding talent inside and outside the draft. Yes, they found Dillon Brooks in this year’s second round, and he can be player. Wayne Selden and JaMychal Green have been solid contributors, but their ceiling isn’t more than a fringe starter or 7th man off the bench. Other than that, they’ve struck out on almost every transaction around the Core Four. They traded away their only shooter (Troy Daniels), gave Parsons a max deal after two knee operations, and waived Wade Baldwin — their most recent 1st-round pick — for a shell of Mario Chalmers. They used an MLE on Brandan Wright in 2015, and he hasn’t been healthy at all over the past three seasons. In addition, Jarell Martin is the only first-round pick on the roster since Mike Conley… who was drafted in 2007. That is a decade stretch of terrible drafting and roster management, and it shouldn’t go unrecognized.

5. Outside perspective on the Pelicans

AD and Boogie are awesome. Jrue Holiday is a nice third wheel. Seeing Rajon Rondo have vintage games here and there are fun. However, they need a perimeter scorer. E’Twuan Moore and Darius Miller have been admirable, but a legitimate wing would make this team a contender for home-court in the West. Once Asik, Hill, and Ajinca come off the books, it’ll be interesting to see who they surround their Twin Towers with … if they’re still on the Pelicans.

Next: Three Keys to Victory against the Memphis Grizzlies

That’s a wrap for our time with Parker. Make sure to follow Parker @PAKA_FLOCKA and the Grizzlies @BealeStBearsFS. You can follow Chris @Impatientbull as always check out the latest Pelicans content @PelicanDebrief . Thanks for reading and enjoy the game!